"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).

1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night, and was the first Frank Dana on The Road of Life. He was also the voice of Perry Mason in the radio version of the show.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) admitted he lied to Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) out of fear she might not be able to handle the thought that Cathy Ryker might never return their baby. Later, on the phone with Billy's school, Carolee learned he was also missing.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Faith made Kenneth angry when she told him it was Pat that she wanted and loved. Later, Faith managed to attach as S.O.S. note to Kenneth's back which was discovered by a neurology patient.